Laser marking is comprised of two distinct types. Laser marking removes material to create depth (laser depth marking) or modifies the material to change the color, contrast or reflectivity of the surface (laser surface marking). In general, laser marking is the production of human- and/or machine-readable identification or information on a material such as a barcode, date/lot code, serial number or part number. Other information items including logos, diagrams, illustrations and photographs can also be marked on a material.